ICE

ICE, high speed trains. Best to visit all major cities in Germany, like Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt etc.

ICE stands for Inter City Express – the high speed passenger trains operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB), the Germany state railway company. The ultra-modern ICE trains are amongst the most technologically advanced and comfortable trains in Europe. ICE trains offer international connections including Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands. Within Germany, frequent ICE trains connect Germany’s major cities, such as Cologne, Hanover, Berlin, Munich and Stuttgart. On these trains, you’ll find a viewing gallery behind the driver’s compartment, meaning you can experience every twist and turn with a bird’s eye view. Whilst onboard ICE train, it’s possible to pre-book porters or taxis to meet you on arrival. All announcements are made in German and English on board the ICE trains. Information displays inside each carriage show the ICE train’s destination, carriage number and the next station stop. If you’re travelling with children aboard ICE trains, make the most of the small play area in the dedicated children compartment.

Popular journeys and travel durations

Within Germany, ICE trains connect 32 major cities. Example travel times are given below:

Booking and printing options

Get the lowest prices by booking early and don’t wait until the last minute as cheaper seats sell the fastest.

Opt for off-peak trains when you have to travel short notice. They are more affordable than morning and evening trains along with those running on holiday eves, Friday and Sunday afternoon.

Printing option(s) :

Paper ticket

Receive your ticket directly to your address. Just take them with you and you are ready to travel. Shipping fees apply.

Seat reservation :

Recommended for this train! The seat reservation is included in the price of your ticket when offered by the train carrier. With the included reservation, you are guaranteed a seat to make your journey more enjoyable.

Experience the service

Before you board

ICE trains first class ticket holders can use the DB lounges in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, where they will enjoy newspapers and magazines, free drinks and internet access.

There is no check-in prior to departure of ICE trains. When travelling to an international destination usually outside Germany, your ticket and passport will be checked once on board.

Onboard

Classes and facilities offered by ICE

First class

Second class

Reclining seats Cosy with more legroom, reclining seats are ideal to enjoy the trip. small>

Audio system Listen to your favourite tune while enjoying the passing landscape. small>

DB lounges at station Get the ultimate treat before any trip, or simply an ideal place to continue working. DB lounges are in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. small>

Video screens Ideal for entertainment, some coaches are equipped with screens. small>

Power sockets Ideal to plug your laptop, phone or any electronic device from your seat. small>

Meal and drink A delicious meal and drinks are served at seat on board. small>

Quiet zones Be seated comfortably and without any disturbance in reserved quiet zones. small>

Bar buffet car Access to the bar buffet car where snacks and beverages can be bought. small>

Snacks and beverages Whenever you feel peckish, you can buy something on board to eat or drink. small>

WiFi Internet Enjoy the freedom to read your emails, surf and listen to online music thanks to the wireless internet on board. Available on certain trains only. small>

Highlights

See train travel from an entirely new point of view!

Aboard the latest generation of ICE trains (ICE 3, ICE T and ICE TD) you will benefit from a panoramic lounge at the end of the train: discover the countryside from another perspective and in style and comfort. ICE high-speed trains will help you have a completely different travel experience!

Music, video and news

Whether you are in 1st or 2nd class, the ICE trains offer an audio connection integrated into the seats. You can choose between three radio stations, the children’s channel and ICE musical programmes. Upgrade to 1st class! Some first class coaches aboard ICE trains feature individual video screens at your seat.

Eat at anytime of the day, you are on holidays!

Aboard all ICE trains you will find a Bordbistro and/or Bordrestaurant. For breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Bordrestaurant gives you the choice between different set menus or “à la carte” main dishes, consisting of German and European specialities. The Bordbistro serves snacks and a wide selection of beverages to be consumed at your seat or in the Bordbistro. In ICE trains 1st class coaches you can benefit from an “at your seat” service for a selection of beverages and meals from the menus.

Interactive Rail Map

F.A.Q

A. All ICE trains convey a Bordbistro and/or a Bordrestaurant. Depending on the time of the day, you can choose from various breakfast menus to suit any taste or main dishes from the "à la carte" menu. In addition to the standard dishes, the menu often features German and European regional specialties freshly prepared. The Bordbistro serves snacks and a wide selection of beverages which you can enjoy there or take back to your seat. In 1st Class coaches a selection of beverages and meals from the menus can be served at your seat on request. Snacks and beverages are also available at your seat in 2nd Class on ICE trains.

A. ICE trains offer two travel classes: Standard and First. On First Class, some coaches feature individual video screens. Electric sockets for laptops or DVD players can be found in most First class carriages. Quiet zones are also reserved for passengers who want to travel in peace.

A. There are no check-in or customs procedures before boarding ICE trains. Just be aware that for international destinations, ticket control and passport checks will occur on boarding the train. And if you are a pass holder, just remember that you have to validate your pass prior to boarding the ICE trains.

A. Many trains such as the Eurostar offer discounted tickets for advance purchase. These fares have limited availability and sell out quickly. To receive the best price on the train you want to travel on you should purchase your tickets prior to your departure so you can avoid fully booked trains.

Overall appreciation

94 Reviews

"Dusseldorf to Amsterdam "

"Enjoy the trip"

Scott d.
08/02/2015 Another great ride on the train from Frankfurt to Nuremberg. Always enjoyable and relaxing Value for money Convenience

"SEATING DEBACLE"

Lindsay k.
21/01/2015 I also travelled via Rail Europe from Brussels to Dusseldorf the week previously and had the same problem. Notwithstanding the fact that I had booked my tickets some four months in advance my wife and I got the worst seats available. On both occasions we were seated next to a pillar and the view was non-existent Not very nice for a visitor to Europe at all.! Value for money Convenience

"Average trip"

Pierre l.
14/01/2015 On that trip, we had a connection from Druisburg to Amsterdam which was awful. More passengers then seats available. We had to sit in the restaurant compartment and buy food and drinks during the trip. The part from Berlin to Druisburg was ok, but we almost ended in the wrong train in Berlin, due to bad signalization. There was two trains attached together, one was not going to Druisburg! Next time I will take the plane... Value for money Convenience

"Excellent"

"Delayed"

Daniel f.
22/12/2014 Train was delayed for more than 2 hours and had to change train in between. Worst ever. Value for money Convenience

"Good"

Daniel f.
22/12/2014 Good service Value for money Convenience

"nice"

Yuk Ling y.
18/12/2014 is a good experience that the train go to the ship with us together and cross the sea, seat are comfortable, have minibar to buy drinks. Value for money Convenience

"awesome"

Liu, Kuei-hua c.
04/12/2014 awesome Value for money Convenience

"Excellent service by raileurop"

John m.
01/12/2014 On line booking straightforward. Ticket delivery efficient and welcoming in Joburg. Rail journey in Germany most comfortable, and on time. Whole experience could not have been better Value for money Convenience

"no meal"

Ishani p.
28/11/2014 The website says meals are included but there were no meals provided. My mistake may be. Value for money Convenience

"More than expected"

Jon j.
22/11/2014 Excellent trip from Munich to Paris. Everything was first class. I wasn't sure where exactly to board and the stewards were very helpful and directed me to the right car. The staff during the trip were efficient and attentive with the exception of the cabin steward, who was a bit distant and not quite as courteous as others but not insufferable. Value for money Convenience

"train journey in europe"

Gajendran k.
13/11/2014 I am glad I chose to travel by Rail Europe . We had a pleasant journey. Their prompt service- from delivering the tickets to my doorstep to the seats reserved made this trip most memorable. Value for money Convenience

"Great experience!"

Jelita s.
05/11/2014 I had so much fun traveled by RailEurope! One great experience! Value for money Convenience